By Colton Eva
Buying a multi-family home may be exciting for some people while the process of renovation can ruin all the excitement for others. Whether the owners choose to reside in the property or give it for rent, they cannot avoid renovation requirements. Renovation companies know that a multi-family property requires expert knowledge to complete the task within time and at a fair budget. Therefore, choosing dedicated multifamily renovation contractors can be the best decision for the buyers of multi-family properties. Here is the process of completing a multifamily renovation task simplified.
What is a Multi-Family Residential Property?
A multi-family residential property accommodates multiple residents in a single unit or complex. An apartment building is a common type of multi-family residential property. Condos, townhouses, duplexes, and quadruplexes are other examples. Here are the three main attributes of a multi-family residential property.
- A multi-family residential unit may have several buildings or a single building to accommodate multiple residents.
- In multi-family residential properties, each resident has a separate kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom.
- In the USA, most of the multi-family residential units are given for rent by the owners.
4 Steps to Ensure Successful Multi-Family Renovation:
Many investors prefer buying multi-family properties over single-family homes due to various reasons. The main reason for choosing a multifamily property is that it gives the owners an opportunity of having multiple income streams generating from the same investment property. One can ensure a successful multi-family renovation by following the steps below.
- The Initial Research: Multi-family homes are prone to damage as these are occupied by a large group of people. The most common damages include unresolved plumbing, heating, or electrical issues. If delayed for long, these can get severe, requiring expensive restoration. Therefore, before signing the final contract, the buyers should request a detailed explanation about the maintenance and renovations from the previous owners.
Some multi-family owners delay the renovation task for long as they do not reside in the property. Once the previous buyers provide a detailed description about the same, the buyers should consider how to proceed. Also, they should search for comparable properties in the area and evaluate the costs. If the price is too low than the other properties and the owner insists on a quick sale, the buyers can consider hiring a professional to inspect the property.
- Setting the Budget: While the buyers should set a budget when looking for multi-family homes, the owners should also prepare a budget for the renovation. As buildings become old and endure multiple damages, the owners might have to pay for costly renovations. Therefore, the owners may consider setting aside a fund to cover such expenses easily.
Some renovation requirements are so extensive that they require a long-term process. In such cases, multi-family renovation professionals may arrive in distinct phases even after the property is sold. The owners should request the companies to provide non-invasive renovations to ensure that the day-to-day activities of residents are not harmed.
- Prioritizing Aesthetic Renovations: While selling a multi-family property or giving it for rent, the buyer should focus on aesthetic renovations besides doing urgent structural repairs. Focusing on aesthetic renovations can turn out to be lucrative for bringing in buyers or tenants. One of the aesthetic renovations that impress the buyers is new, high-quality floors.
Once a buyer or tenant likes the property, the owner can continue with structural repairs from the advance payment. Other non-urgent general maintenance tasks can be handled easily afterward as the owner gets a higher rental or selling price based on an updated unit.
- Choosing Quality Materials: During the discussion session with multi-family renovation contractors, the owners should ask them about the building materials they would provide. Reputed contractors should offer a variety of options for flooring, roofing, and other materials. According to the budget and needs, the owners should try to ensure getting the best materials for repair.
The longer a renovation lasts, the more time the owner gets in maintaining the property. Also, high-quality materials maximize the chance of getting higher revenue from the property. Some multi-family property owners ensure they use the best repair materials so that the property sustains well in the long run.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Not Hiring a Multi-Family Contractor: Hiring a general contractor while opting for multifamily renovation may turn out to be a wrong decision. It is a common mistake that many people tend to make. Multi-family properties require extensive knowledge on a renovation that a general contractor might lack. Also, many people fall into the trap of hiring inexperienced multi-family contractors. Therefore, the owners should always ask a company if they have any experience with multifamily housing projects.
- Overlooking Property Age: Investing in old property renovation may not turn fruitful always in earning revenues. However attractive an apartment looks after renovation; the new buyer or tenant considers the age of the property while paying. There is a significant risk of pricing out new buyers or renters who are willing to pay lower prices while buying an old property. Hence, while choosing renovations, one should consider the age of the property.
- Ignoring Energy Efficiency: Many multi-family property owners ignore the aspect of energy efficiency while choosing renovation. Nowadays, every buyer or renter looks for energy-efficient options since there are multiple benefits of the same. Hence, the owners should make a plan with multifamily renovation contractors on how to increase the property’s energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Choosing the right contractor for multi-family renovation has multiple benefits. Firstly, it can increase the chances of earning more revenues from the property. Secondly, it allows new buyers or renters to live peacefully without any need for further renovation anytime soon. Thirdly, it ensures a healthy relationship between the owners and the buyers or renters. While there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing multifamily renovation contractors, chances of getting quality service are more from the reputed and experienced companies. By considering the factors mentioned above, the buyers can simplify the task of multi-family renovation.
